Michelle Obama: It's OK to splurge (if you exercise)

Apr. 21, 2014
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First lady Michelle Obama / Getty Images

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

First lady Michelle Obama says it's okay to splurge on rich food every now and then, provided you eat right most of the time and exercise.

"How would you appreciate vegetables if you never had chocolate?" Mrs. Obama said Monday while taking questions from children journalists. "You couldn't live without a little chocolate, a little French fries."

Noting that "splurging is the key to life," Mrs. Obama said: "I still splurge when I can, but that's why I try to exercise almost every day."

The first lady met with the young reporters as part of the White House Easter Egg Roll festivities.

"The first lady said she tries to teach her two daughters balance and healthy meals at home, to offset any ice cream or birthday cake they have while out.

"Mrs. Obama said her favorite physical activity is tennis, which she tries to do at least once a week. She said her daughter Malia participates in track and tennis too, while Sasha enjoys basketball and dance.

"She urged the young scribes -- who ranged in age from 6 years old to 13 years old -- to eat balanced meals, drink water and keep moving.

"'The more water you drink, the less room you'll have for the junk,' Mrs. Obama said."